Dairy & Food Processing

Our dairy industry is thriving, with 100% of Lewis County Dairy Farms being family owned, farm owners take pride in their operations. Lewis County is built on a dairy legacy of hardworking families and generations of family owned farms. Lewis County is proud of its dairy heritage and continues to look towards growth.

Why choose Lewis County? The answer is simple:

PROXIMITY TO ESTABLISHED INDUSTRY CLUSTER

Lewis County has 27,235 milking cows, approximately 190 dairy farms, and is ranked #6 in New York State in milk production. Take a drive down a back country road any day of the year and you will find thousands of acres of farm land, herds of cattle, and hardworking farm families. Lewis County breaths dairy farming; and having hundereds of milk suppliers right in our backyard is an asset to Lewis County.

WELL DEVELOPED DAIRY INFRASTRUCTURE

The dairy industry is situated right in Lewis County, NY; and we don't just mean the farms. When it comes to agricultural support, Lewis County has an advantage over most agricultural areas in the nation. Equipment dealerships, mechanics, feed dealers, milk haulers, manure haulers, field and crop specialists, veterenarian services, fertizers, seed dealers, and many other agricultural businesses are also located right in Lewis County, NY. For every $1 in milk sales, another $2.29 is generated through supporting businesses. With an industry that is supported within a 30 mile radius, that makes for a unique, one-of-a-kind location for any dairy or food processesing business.

ACCESS TO RAW MATERIALS

With access to ample water, excellent agricultural soils, rolling hills and vast farmlands, the dairy industry is a perfect fit for Lews County. Most of our Lewis County milk is sold through Lowville Dairy Producers Cooperative, which in turn, much of that milk is processed at the local Kraft Heinz plant in Lowville, NY. Philadelphia Cream Cheese and String Cheese is produced in Lewis County, NY. There is no secret to the reasons why dairy food processesing is located in this part of the North Country region.

dairy resources

Looking for more information on dairy farming/food processesing in Lewis County? Check out our partner organizations!